Plant-based diets are becoming mainstream. With many major food manufacturers investing heavily in plant-based product lines, consumers are more likely to accept plant-based diets than ever before. Traditionally, people have decided to go vegetarian out of concerns about animal welfare or environmental issues, but other factors are also increasingly playing a role.
Experts say that the demand for plant-based products is mainly driven by their health benefits. A Health Focus International Global Trends Study that began in 2020 found that 70% of consumers worldwide agree that long-term health is a key driving factor for them to want more plant-based nutrition. The rise of mixed-eating families and flexible vegetarian lifestyles also account for a large part of the plant-based market. The reasons for choosing a plant-based diet can be summarized into the following categories.
*Taste, mouthfeel
Taste and mouthfeel are becoming more and more important in the plant-based product market. Health Focus International Global Trends Study found that 60% of consumers choose plant-based foods out of taste preference.
*Convenient choice
It is not just consumer demand for better taste and texture that drives innovation in the plant market. With the development of plant-based diets, more and more consumers have begun to abandon traditional plant-based diets in favor of convenience.
*Plant-based snacks
Plant-based snacks are also a growing trend. Manufacturers can win the favor of consumers through plant-based snack solutions. For individuals and athletes who actively exercise, snacks are also an ideal choice to provide nutrition during the journey. Whether it is before, during or after exercise, it can help them achieve their goals and make them feel their best.
*Impact of the epidemic
The epidemic has in some cases encouraged consumers to pursue healthier lifestyles, which seems to have had an impact on consumer demand for plant-based foods. Studies have found that since the outbreak, 20% of Europeans plan to add more plant-based foods to their diets. Especially in the UK and Germany, 35% of consumers who are considered flexible vegetarians said that they are now actively trying more plant-based products to replace meat products.
